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SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS
By Connie Ray, conceived by Alan Bailey
Plaza Theatre Company, Cleburne
Cast:
Judy Barnett
Julie Hefner
Becky Watson
Kyle Adams
Danielle Beacham
G. Aaron Siler
Darcy Farrington
Jonathan Cooper
Kaitlin McDonald
JaceSon Barrus
Director, Darcy Farrington
Music Director, Cheri Mega
Stage Management, Analaura Keith
Light/Set Design, JaceSon Barrus
Costume Design, Tina Barrus
*REVIEWED 11-27-09 PERFORMANCE
REVIEWED BY Clyde Berry
Associate Theater Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN
_____________________SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS___________________
After an impressive listing of offerings for the 2009 season, including
several
comedies and some ambitious large musicals for their smaller in-the-round
venue,
the Plaza Theatre proudly completes its third full season with their holiday
offering of The Sanders Family Christmas.
PTC seems to be doing well in fulfilling their mission of high quality,
family
friendly, and enriching programming. Clearly the efforts of the Barrus and
Siler
families to provide downtown Cleburne with entertainment and arts training
are a
welcome addition to the community.
Sanders Christmas is the second in a trilogy of Bluegrass Gospel musicals
conceived by Alan Bailey and penned by Connie Ray. The first of which, Smoke
on
the Mountain, ran for a year off-Broadway and eventually landed Connie Ray a
starring role on the short lived (and personal favorite) "The Torkelsons" on
TV.
They feature vintage Gospel music of the "Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou"
variety/era and feature the efforts of the Sanders family to bring Gospel
and to
witness the community of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
In the first volume, Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe brings the Sanders family to the
church for a bit of a revival, and in so doing, falls for June Sanders, the
non-singing member of the family. For this incarnation, a few years have
passed
and there have been a few changes within the Sanders family. Stanley, the
rebellious one from the last show, has found his way and had become a radio
personality. Twins Dennis and Denise still take turns going to a religious
school, but Dennis has graduated and enlisted into the Marines. Parents Burl
and
Vera are concerned, but let their faith and music comfort them and the
community
about the future of their boys in "the war". Rev. Oglethorpe has frequently
visited June, and these visits have not gone unnoticed by Burl and Vera.
The Smoke on the Mountains are structured similarly to other series like the
Nunesenses or the Forever Plaids. The show is a loosely structured review in
which group numbers are spaced out between solos, and punctuated with a few
character developing monologues. The Smokes are pretty tightly knit, and
things
flow smoothly from set to set.
Darcy Farrington's direction of Sanders Christmas is clean, tight, and fast
paced. For a show that is staged in the round, there is a great deal of
variety
in blocking/choreography that kept things from getting repetitive and still
allowed almost constant good views from every seat.
Relationships are clear, and this group does have the chemistry one would
expect
from a performing, touring family. Farrington understands the music, humor,
and
the period and deftly keeps anyone from mugging while moving the story
along.
My only quibble is the addition of the "Amen Ladies" who wander in at the
top of
each act to warm the crowd up. For the rest of the show, they are relegated
to
seats off to the side to react with the few folks within their reach. Her
Sanders characters would be better served to be used in this way, than these
ladies who, while always in character, only offer bits as an afterthought.
The set design by JaceSon Barrus is basic and functional for the space. Tina
Barrus' costume design is likewise. She is true to the period, keeping the
Sanders' in festive plaids and greens, the men in suits, and some nice
period
hairstyles on all of the ladies. G. Aaron Siler's sound design used body
mics.
The cast (and period sound for the music) would be better served without
them.
Folks tended to rely on the mics for basic amplification when it is clear
from
several numbers that they have the capacity to fill the room with their own
voices. On my evening, everything in Act I seemed a little low key, with an
adjustment taking place before Act II that provided a much louder, fuller
sound
from the system. Still, to revive a crowd, one has to have energy, and that
comes from a passionate voice trying to reach out to the sinners hiding in
the
corners.
As to the singing, there are many fine numbers in this production, musically
directed by Cheri Mega. By far the most moving was an a cappella version of
"The
Carol of the Bells". Act II gets rolling with a high energy "Longing For
That
Hallelujah Day" followed by Mervin's even more excited "I've Been Changed".
Several medleys showcased some nice harmonies including Act I's War Medley
and
Act II's Bell Medley. It seems the stage business was a bit distracting for
the
Christmas in other Lands Medley, which was not as cohesive. The last medley
includes the audience, so be ready to join in. Strangely, the last song "Go
Tell
it on the Mountain" dramatically and vocally does not provide a satisfying
conclusion to the show (a fault of the book).
Many of the cast have had pervious experience singing in the Sanders Family,
and
their comfort shows.
Danielle Beacham earns the scene stealer award for her wonderful portrayal
of
June Sanders. Beacham has created an amazing physical character for the
`untalented' member of the family, who signs and plays a variety of
percussion.
Never over the top, Beacham fills in every moment needed with business and
has
the most honest reactions of anyone in the cast. The dramatic highlight of
the
evening is her answer to an important question posed to her by Oglethorpe.
JaceSon Barrus also does well with his monologue as Stanley . His character
is
sincere, humble, and earnest in his beliefs. Vocally Barrus is solid, and
leads
Act II's opening number "Did You Ever Go Sailing".
Burl and Vera Sanders are brought to life by G. Aaron Siler and Darcy
Farrington. Both carry the authority of being the head of the family as well
as
the compassion for their children, and the spiritual salvation of the
sinners
present. Farrington is the strong Mom you wouldn't want to mess with, and
she
has good chemistry in her battles with Rev. Oglethorpe. Siler likewise does
well
holding everyone together when anyone goes astray. Both have strong vocals
and
are always engaged.
The Sanders twins, Denise and Dennis, are played by Kaitlin McDonald and
Jonathan Cooper (Cooper's the boy). The youthful looking Cooper does very
well
in explaining his rationale in enlisting. He also has a lovely voice with a
nice
top. McDonald is a high school student with lots of promise. The youngest in
the
cast, she holds her own vocally and is not intimidated. These two have the
comic
duets of each act, and bring a great deal of enthusiasm to, sadly, the least
interesting music.
Lastly, Kyle Adams plays our host Mervin Oglethorpe. Adams nicely executes
his
role, stealing any chance he can catch a glance from June Sanders. Keep your
eye
on him, he's always working. His highlight is clearly his Act II solo and
his
shared scene with June, proving to the Sanders Family he has indeed been
practicing, and building up his courage.
If you're looking for solid family fare for the holidays, I know you will
not be
disappointed by sharing your season with the Sanders family.
REVIEWED BY Clyde Berry
Associate Theater Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN
__________________________________________________________________
SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Through December 23, 2009
Plaza Theater Company /
www.plaza-theatre.com
111 S. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033
817-202-0600
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